CVE-2026-43723 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2026
A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, tvOS 26.6, visionOS 26.6, watchOS 26.6. An app may be able to gain root privileges.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical path handling flaw that could potentially allow malicious applications to escalate privileges to root level access on affected Apple operating systems. The issue stems from insufficient validation of file paths and directory traversal mechanisms within the system's core file handling components, creating an avenue for unauthorized privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability likely involves improper sanitization of user-supplied paths or inadequate boundary checks when processing file system operations. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting malicious path sequences that bypass normal access controls and gain elevated privileges. Such flaws typically manifest in scenarios where the operating system fails to properly validate input parameters during file operations, potentially allowing attackers to traverse directories beyond intended boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe given that it affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS variants, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. This widespread exposure means that attackers could potentially target various device types from mobile phones to desktop computers. The privilege escalation capability presents a significant risk to system integrity and user data protection, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest possible system privileges.
Apple addressed this vulnerability through enhanced path validation mechanisms in the specified software updates. The remediation approach likely involves strengthening input sanitization routines and implementing more rigorous boundary checking for file path operations. This aligns with common security practices for preventing path traversal attacks and follows established mitigation strategies outlined in industry standards such as CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements.
Security professionals should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected systems to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in preventing privilege escalation attacks, particularly in operating system components that handle file system operations. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious path traversal patterns and maintain comprehensive patch management processes to address similar vulnerabilities proactively.
The fix represents a defensive measure against techniques categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0004 Privilege Escalation and technique T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, highlighting the need for robust system-level security controls. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of how seemingly minor path handling issues can create significant security risks when they enable unauthorized access to privileged system functions.